Tom Bender’s parent club Colchester United praised Accrington Stanley for the way they looked after the defender.

Manager John Ward and his staff were in contact with the Reds’ team all night after the collision left Bender in hospital.

Ward said: "We were in full contact with Accrington Stanley’s physio and doctor from the moment it happened and they were very concerned about Tom.

"That’s why the game was eventually abandoned – he was unconscious for five minutes and there was major concern.

"Quite rightly, Tom’s health and well-being was put before the actual match.

"Tom was taken to hospital and I was in contact with both his dad and the Accrington physio, Joe Hinnigan.

"John Coleman phoned me and so did their club doctor and their contact with us was first class.

"We knew that Tom was in very safe hands and we were in sync with what was happening.

"There were a lot of phone calls and Accrington Stanley were first class in everything that they did.

"Once we knew the severity of the situation, it was a case of what do we do next?

"But they were much in control of the whole situation and the fact that Tom’s father was with him throughout was reassuring."

Ward was one of the first to hear that the scan had come back clear.

"By 10.45pm, we had information through that the scan Tom has undergone was fine.

"We were relieved and pleased that the scan didn’t show any damage.

"Tranmere boss Les Parry phoned our physio Tony Flynn to let him know what was happening. Football gets a lot of bad press but everyone concerned on Tuesday was absolutely brilliant.

"Everyone knows that in football, it’s a case of there but for the grace of God go I.

"I’m just happy that everyone is aware that the three football clubs have all been very supportive of one another.

"Tom is a tough kid, both mentally and physically.

"He went to Accrington to develop his football acumen and John has been very pleased with him.

"He started the game for them and for an 18-year-old, that’s a very big compliment."

Colchester physio Tony Flynn says he expects Bender to be out of action for at least two to three weeks after his head injury while on loan at Accrington Stanley.

While the football authorities don’t stipulate a set time that players must spend recovering from a concussive injury, Flynn said he thought it would be a few weeks before the U’s youngster could return to playing.

Having received treatment on the pitch, the 18-year-old, who is with Accrington on a season-long loan, was taken to hospital where he regained consciousness and was diagnosed with severe concussion.

The incident involving Bender mirrored the horrific injury suffered by Colchester’s Andy Bond during a pre-season game against Ipswich Town.

Flynn said: "I’ve spoken to the Accrington club doctor and Tom has had a scan and been given the all-clear. I don’t know any more than that and whether he comes back down here or not is probably going to depend on the player himself.

"Unfortunately there is no time frame in football given before a player can come back after concussion like there is in rugby, but I would advise that he doesn’t play for a couple of weeks.

"Andy Bond was out for two to three weeks before he could get going again."

Bender is now at home in Colchester and will get ongoing treatment at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.